Clash of darts titans ends in dramatic draw

Raymond van Barneveld fought back from 7-4 down to snatch a 7-7 draw with world champion Phil Taylor in the Premier League tonight.

Taylor had seemed on course to edge a tight contest – the pair’s first meeting since Van Barneveld defected to the Professional Darts Corporation – in Bournemouth.

But the Dutchman was unbowed and responded to claim a result that leaves both unbeaten in the competition.

It was a good night for Van Barneveld, who remains second in the table to Taylor, as he earlier produced a nine-dart finish in a convincing 8-3 win over Peter Manley.